Alamo Square's not just the Painted Ladies

CITYSCAPE By John King

Westerfield House is one of the architectural treasures of Alamo Square -- even if doesn't have the skyline as a backdrop.

Westerfield House is one of the architectural treasures of Alamo Square -- even if doesn't have the skyline as a backdrop.

Photo: John King

Photo: John King

Image
1of/7

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 7

Westerfield House is one of the architectural treasures of Alamo Square -- even if doesn't have the skyline as a backdrop.

Westerfield House is one of the architectural treasures of Alamo Square -- even if doesn't have the skyline as a backdrop.

Photo: John King

Alamo Square's not just the Painted Ladies

1 / 7

Back to Gallery

Alamo Square is one of San Francisco's tourist magnets, but too many visitors laser in on the row of Painted Ladies along the southeast edge. Better to walk the entire square and savor the architectural blend, such as this (literal) high point built of redwood for a candy baron who clearly loved a view. After an interval as a boardinghouse and commune, it's again in private hands, painted to emphasize each gable and spire and shallow square bay. Head-turners like this show why it makes sense to stray from the beaten path, wherever you might be.